Wind and warmer temps coming to Utah

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Wind and warmer temperatures are heralding the Christmas season for Utah, with a chance for rain and snow soon to come.

Temperatures will climb a few degrees in northern Utah during the next two days, reaching the mid 50s to low 60s by the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City. The service forecasts that winds will pick up across the state, starting at about 3 to 5 mph on Friday and increasing to about 10 mph on Saturday.

The NWS is also warning holiday travelers there's a chance for rain in the valleys and snow in the higher elevations of northern Utah starting late Saturday night and continuing into Sunday. Meteorologists advise anyone planning to drive near the end of the holiday weekend to monitor the latest forecasts.

A moderate chance for snowslides is in effect on Friday for Uintas-area mountains, mainly above the treeline, according to the Utah Avalanche Center.

Salt Lake City is expected to have highs of 54 and 60 degrees on Friday and Saturday, respectively; Ogden 51 and 56; Provo 55 and 61; Logan 50 and 54; Wendover 46 and 53; Duchesne 49 and 53; Cedar City 58 and 61; St. George 68 and 67; and Moab 57 and 61.

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality forecasts "green" or healthy air quality for all regions Friday and Saturday.